Divine Write Copywriting Forum

G’day,

Firstly I just wanted to congratulate you on the website and forums. They are both awesome volumes of information for people, like myself, new to this industry.

I don’t want to waste anyone’s time but as I am leaping from my comfort zone and into doing something new I was just hoping for some basic advice. I’ve been quite successful at procrastinating my ‘jump’ into writing for a few years now but I feel it can wait no longer. Whilst working on some creative projects I am hoping to earn some money and help the creative juices to flow by also doing some freelance tech writing. I have a couple of questions that I can’t seem to find answers to, and so was hoping for a little guidance.

My background is technical (electrical, industrial maintenance, and facility management), and most reference I have found to tech writing is related mainly to software docs. Is it plausible to set out to write tech documents for other industries? (i.e. operations/procedure manuals, asset manuals, risk management documents, etc)

What sort of insurance is available to freelance tech writers?, and where does liability lie with regards to information documentation?. Is it usual to disclaim indemnity by having the client sign off on the accuracy of the document or does the freelance tech writer more or less have to be considered as a consultant?.

Any information you could help me with would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers,
Matt

Hi Matt, and welcome!

I worked for a tech-writer for 9 years before starting Divine Write. However, it was all in software. So I don't know much about the areas you're after. I've seen quite a few jobs ads with those sorts of buzz-words though, so I'm sure it's more than plausible.

Re insurance, I'm not sure you'd need it. At least, not to cover you for the information you write. I reckon you just get the client to indemnify you (and all your agents, etc.) against any loss, claims, damages etc., that may arise out of, etc... This is what I do for copy, and I don't see much difference between the two, in that respect. (In fact, I still do a bit of tech-writing and quite a bit of technical copy.)

I think it's more likely that you'll need insurance covering your own well-being when onsite and travelling to site. Not sure how many places cover this themselves, and how many require you to 'bring your own'.

Of course, as usual, please don't treat the above as legal advice. I'm just a copywriter, after all. You should always seek legal advice is you're in doubt. I can recommend a good lawyer (specialises in Internet services and issues), if you like.

Best of luck with it.

Cheers.

G'day Greg, and thanks!.

Fantastic!. Thanks for the advice Greg. I was hoping you would say that on the insurance front. I have had some experience with consultancy insurance and I wasn’t all that keen on having to jump through hoops and paying an arm and a leg for the privalege. I will certainly get some legal advice to back this up, but I am feeling much relieved on the basis of what you have said.

Thank you for the offer of the legal contact. I will see what I can source locally (Vic), just so I can have the comfort of face-to-face contact, but failing that I may contact you regarding your option.

Thanks again
Matt

No problems! Hope it all goes well for you.

Cheers.
Glenn